| If convicted of a DUI in California, you will likely be | | | | your driving record (if you are given four points in a |
| facing a combination of the following penalties: | | | | twelve month period your license will be revoked), and |
| A first time DUI conviction in California typically carries | | | | a mark on your record which will last for ten years. |
| a penalty of between $390 to $1000 in fines. In addition | | | | Finally, your auto insurance premiums will likely increase, |
| to the fines, you will be required to pay anywhere up | | | | and you could face ramifications on the job if you had |
| to $3000 in penalty assessments. | | | | to miss work. |
| Second and subsequent convictions carry heavier | | | | You understand that a conviction can cost you |
| fines, as do instances in which another person was | | | | thousands of dollars, your license, and possible jail time. |
| injured. | | | | So, what now? Is there a way out? |
| California law allows for the judge to sentence you to | | | | Actually, in many cases there is. You see, the majority |
| up to six months in jail for a first time offense. | | | | of evidence introduced into court during a DUI trial is |
| If this is your first time you're being convicted of a DUI, | | | | technical in nature. And technical evidence can be |
| you will most likely retain the right to keep a restricted | | | | challenged on valid scientific grounds. Today, the best |
| version of your driver's license. | | | | way to fight a DUI case is to show how the |
| However, you will have to pay restriction and reissue | | | | technology to determine blood alcohol content (or |
| fees in order to keep the privilege of driving to and | | | | BAC) might be faulty. This technique allows for |
| from work. | | | | reasonable doubt as to whether you were actually |
| Additionally, you will be required to complete a | | | | driving above the legal limit. You may be wondering |
| mandatory DUI educational program. These programs | | | | how technology might be wrong. Actually, there are |
| can require a time commitment of up to one year. | | | | many ways in which errors can occur. The job of a |
| Other consequences include paying impoundment and | | | | good attorney is to highlight the possibility of error. |
| storage fees for your vehicle, two points added to | | | | |